The final whistle blew, and players gathered in the center circle, exchanging pleasantries and swapping shirts. Chloe Kelly wrapped herself in Leila Ouahabi’s jersey, while Jess Park did the same with Laia Aleixandri’s. Yet, sixty yards away, Grace Clinton was already on her lap of honor, her mind made up her shirt was staying with her.
This match carried the weight of past disappointments, the lingering pain of Sydney, and the struggles of a team in transition. For the past 18 months, England had been stuck in a frustrating limbo, caught between an ineffective Plan A and a non-existent Plan B. But under the Wembley lights, there was a sense of renewal, a glimpse of a blueprint that could guide them forward.
Spain, despite being world champions, looked drained from recent challenges, yet they pressed England hard for an hour. England, rather than faltering, grew stronger, adapting to the challenge with coherence and invention. Spain may have had 57% possession, but for most of the match, the statistics remained fairly balanced.
Hannah Hampton made a strong case for the goalkeeping spot with three outstanding saves. Lauren James contributed tirelessly at both ends of the pitch. Park’s winning goal was a moment she’ll never forget. Niamh Charles quietly excelled in defense.
Yet, among all the standout performances, Clinton’s impact was perhaps the most striking. Not because of any singular moment of brilliance, but because of how England functioned around her. Still early in her international career, she represents a vision, an idea in progress, yet full of promise. She unlocks new possibilities, raising England’s midfield to a higher level.
To understand the significance of this game, one must look back to the Algarve just five days prior. Against Portugal, Clinton had an impressive game, but a lapse in concentration allowed Kika Nazareth to score a late equalizer. That moment may have fueled hesitation in trusting her on the biggest stage.
Her creative gifts have never been in doubt, but concerns about defensive awareness have followed her since her time at Everton. She had shone against lesser opposition, but could she deliver against the best? Against Spain, the answer was clear.
England approached the match with pragmatism, choosing not to press too high. Instead, they set up in a compact 4-4-2, engaging Spain in key areas with relentless physicality. Clinton led by example, dispossessing Aitana Bonmatí, battling Mariona Caldentey, always aware of her surroundings, always covering spaces.
On the ball, her influence was even more pronounced. She picked out through balls, switched play quickly, and combined effortlessly with teammates. Dropping into the right-back space, she allowed Lucy Bronze to push forward. She linked up with Park, even took possession from Hampton to draw the Spanish press.
There has been a cautious approach to recent team selections, with loyalty to a system that has worked in the past. Georgia Stanway’s injury opened up an opportunity, and Clinton seized it. For the first time in a while, England’s midfield had a fresh identity built on movement, clever positioning, and rapid transitions.
From her early days in Bristol to her rise in Manchester, Clinton has long been talked about as the future. This match may have marked the moment she became the present.
